Sunlight radiated off a nearby hill. Below us a small lake rippled in the gentle breeze. My daughter and I ate our lunches at a shady picnic table, watching archers arrange targets in the range across the parking lot. It gave us just enough time to observe the local protocol before pulling her bow and arrows from the trunk to give it a go.
We spent a little over an hour at the archery range that Saturday, but it remains one of my favorite memories from the past year. Just my youngest and I, testing our skills with her new compound bow.
If it hadn’t been for a shared bucket list wish – try out archery – we wouldn’t have been at the range that day. She wouldn’t have gotten that bow set for her birthday. We would have overlooked the free archery class offered at the state park where we camped this summer.
Instead, bucket list in mind, we gave it a shot. She signed up for the class and found out she has a knack for shooting. And the rest, as they say, is history.
I am so grateful. I’m grateful her bucket list alerted her to watch for opportunities. I’m grateful for how trying a new sport broadened her interests.
I’m also grateful for how it taught her to think differently about herself – to think in terms of possibility. I might be able to get really good at this.
I’m thankful for how my children are growing in their ability to leap at fresh experiences (without whining). I’m thankful for how we are learning together, spurring each other on, and forging the identity we want our family to have.
Not every day in our life involves a “bucket list” experience. In fact, there are others I know who engage in many more adventures than we do. Yet I am so thankful for adventures spread out and adventures found in “small” circumstances – like a bow for a birthday gift.
I have seen how the excitement doesn’t wear off at our slower pace. The thrill is always there.
Some days that’s what adventure looks like in a bucket list family.
And I am so grateful. I never know what surprise is waiting for us around the next bend. Or what new shared hobby we’ll discover. Or how we’ll be changed.
So tell me this: what does adventure look like in your family? How does that make you grateful?
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It is interesting how often an adventure arises when the family follows a member’s bucket list or desire. Last winter I was determined to skate on Lake Louise. My children complained about the drive, thinking how fun would this be, there’s a lake across the street. Of course it was everything I had dreamed of, skating surrounded by gorgeous mountains with the added benefit of ice sculptures and an outdoor fire. Both my children skated up beside me at one point and admitted, “This is really cool.”
Sue – I love it! And it’s so true how we have to endure the complaining sometimes (oftentimes, in our house) before our kids recognize the beauty of the adventure. Good for you for making it happen!
I love this, Lara! It’s so true that when you are purposeful about doing something, it forces you to make the time and enjoy the moment. You can look back and be glad that you did. Great job to you and your youngest! I bet that was some sweet time together, too.